North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust is going to be investigated over their mortality rates.

The Trust has already investigated more than 1100 deaths at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven but the review will look into why there were 18 excess deaths for every 100 expected between 2011 and 2012.

Death rates at 14 hospitals are going to be reviewed following a damning report into deaths at Stafford Hospital.

The review will be headed by Sir Bruce Keogh, the man in charge of the NHS.

The Trust is in the middle of being taken over by Northumbria NHS Trust after a series of high profile problems concerning finances and patient care. Dr Jeremy Rushmer is Director of Clinical Transformation and is involved in the acquisition process. He says he isn't surprised by the investigation.